Teachers’ Day 2023: Some Interesting Facts to Know

Globally, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5, but in India, it is celebrated on September 5 to honour the teachers and their significant contributions to student’s life. The celebration takes place to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. 

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On this day, students in schools and colleges organise various events to wish a ‘Happy Teachers Day’ in different ways to their teachers. These include dancing, singing competitions, mimicry of teachers, games, and poetry recitations. It is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the beautiful bond students and teachers share.

History of Teachers’ Day: Who was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second president of independent India, was born on September 5, 1888. His remarkable contributions as a teacher, philosopher, and scholar are well-known among people. British Government awarded him with the title of ‘Sir’ in 1954. He was a great educationist, and he was awarded Bharat Ratna for his contributions. In 1962, the Government of India announced September 5 as National Teacher’s Day to celebrate his birthday. Since then, his birthday is celebrated as Teacher’s Day to showcase his immense commitment to education and students.

What is the Importance of Teachers' Day?

This day started when Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s students insisted to allow them to celebrate his birthday, to which he responded with politeness that it would be a privilege if, instead of celebrating his birthday, it would be celebrated as Teacher’s Day. He believed that Teachers are one of the most influential humans in the world who can make a difference in people’s lives. They are the pillars of society who enlighten young minds, carve a path for them, and mold students into future leaders. Thus, this day is an event to celebrate the immense efforts of educators or teachers in a child’s life.

Some Interesting Facts about Teachers’ Day

Some interesting facts about Teachers’ Day are compiled here. Read through them and find out about the new learnings for yourself.

Fact-1: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1988, in a Telugu middle-class family in Tiruttani town. He was a brilliant student and won various scholarships in his life. He attended schools in Tirupati and Vellore.

Fact-2: He received his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Madras’s Christian College. He is known as one of the most popular philosophers of all time in India.

Fact-3: After completing his degree, he became a professor at Madras Presidency College and then a professor of Philosophy at the University of Mysore.

Fact-4: He represented the University of Calcutta at the Congress of the Universities of British Empire in 1962.

Fact-5: He was appointed the Haskell Lecturer in Comparative Religion at the University of Chicago in 1930.

Fact-6: In 1948, he was elected chairman of UNESCO’s executive board. He was awarded the highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, in 1954. He was also nominated for Nobel Prize 27 times.

Fact-7: Teachers’ Day was celebrated in 1962 for the very first time when Dr. S. Radhakrishnan took over as the president of the nation.

Fact-8: The World International Teachers’ Day was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1994 to celebrate the commemoration of the signing of the 1966 International Labor Organization or United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recommendation concerning the status of Teachers.

Fact-9: He was selected as the second president of India in 1962 and served the nation until 1967.

Fact-10: He took his last breaths in Madras on 16 April 1975.

Teacher’s Day has significant importance not just in India but also in other parts of the world. These facts are an insight into the historical timeline of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan’s life and his significant contribution to the educational sight of the nation.

When is Teachers’ Day Celebrated in Different Parts of the World?

It might sound a little strange, but the dates for Teachers’ Day vary globally. Except for World Teachers’ Day, all the nations have their individual National Teacher’s Day based on their historical significance. This day is celebrated in more than 100 countries in the world. These celebrations started during the 20th century. Some countries around the World celebrate Teachers' Day on different dates, some of which are September 5 in India, October 5 in Pakistan, September 10 in China, October 15 in Brazil, October 29 in New Zealand, May 16 in Malaysia, October 6 in Sri Lanka, October 5 in Germany, January 16 in Thailand, February 28 in Oman, Egypt, UAE, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and many other Islamic Nations.

Some Teachers’ Day Gift Ideas

Students often like to gift their teachers on Teacher’s Day to let them know that they appreciate the efforts put in by them. Some Teachers’ Day gift ideas include a handwritten letter to appreciate them, pens, a memento, or anything that resonates with a memory of them for you. Gifting teachers a gift should be a thoughtful process such that a good gift is given to them.

Conclusion

Teacher’s Day is one of the most wonderful events and occasions to celebrate the beautiful bond shared by students and teachers. It is a wonderful teachers’ day thought to write a teachers’ day poem or send your teachers a teacher’s day wish acknowledging the efforts they have put in for your betterment. It is the best time to appreciate their efforts and let them know how important they are to you. After all, the consistent efforts of a teacher are the shaping factors of us as individuals.